SPIEGEL ONLINE - International - Pope Benedict XVIhttp://www.spiegel.de
Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site.enTue, 17 Oct 2017 00:19:49 +0200Tue, 17 Oct 2017 00:19:49 +0200SPIEGEL ONLINEhttp://www.spiegel.de
http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gifThe Pope's Sex Problem: Catholic Survey Reveals Frustrated Flockhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/world/catholic-survey-shows-deep-frustration-within-the-church-a-946069.html#ref=rss
The Vatican last year sent out a survey to Catholics around the world focusing on attitudes to sex and sexuality. The responses are now in -- and they show that the Church is badly in need of reform. Can Pope Francis meet such expectations?Mon, 03 Feb 2014 16:30:53 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/catholic-survey-shows-deep-frustration-within-the-church-a-946069.htmlThe Vatican last year sent out a survey to Catholics around the world focusing on attitudes to sex and sexuality. The responses are now in -- and they show that the Church is badly in need of reform. Can Pope Francis meet such expectations?]]>Controversial Theologian Hans Küng: 'I Don't Cling to This Life'http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/controversial-theologian-hans-kueng-on-death-and-church-reform-a-938501.html#ref=rss
Hans Küng fought his whole life for the reforms being weighed by the Vatican today. In a SPIEGEL interview, the elderly Swiss theologian discusses Pope Francis' chances to revolutionize the church, why John Paul II shouldn't be canonized and what he hopes to learn in heaven.Thu, 12 Dec 2013 13:47:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/controversial-theologian-hans-kueng-on-death-and-church-reform-a-938501.htmlHans Küng fought his whole life for the reforms being weighed by the Vatican today. In a SPIEGEL interview, the elderly Swiss theologian discusses Pope Francis' chances to revolutionize the church, why John Paul II shouldn't be canonized and what he hopes to learn in heaven.]]>Testing Limits: Diocese Opens Door to Communion for the Remarried http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/freiburg-catholic-diocese-opens-door-to-communion-for-remarried-people-a-926645.html#ref=rss
The archdiocese of Freiburg recently signalled a willingness to allow remarried divorcées to receive communion. While far from revolutionary, the move reflects a desire to change doctrine long considered out of touch with reality.Tue, 08 Oct 2013 13:32:54 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/freiburg-catholic-diocese-opens-door-to-communion-for-remarried-people-a-926645.htmlThe archdiocese of Freiburg recently signalled a willingness to allow remarried divorcées to receive communion. While far from revolutionary, the move reflects a desire to change doctrine long considered out of touch with reality.]]>Vatican Financial Oversight Director: 'Church Strengthens Position By Combating Money Laundering' http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-vatican-financial-oversight-director-rene-bruelhart-a-889560.html#ref=rss
René Brülhart, 40, has been the director of the Vatican's Financial Information Authority (FIA) for nearly half a year. The Swiss lawyer and former head of Liechtenstein's financial intelligence unit is on a mission to clear the Vatican Bank of all suspicions of money laundering and other illegal financial transactions. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:08:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/interview-with-vatican-financial-oversight-director-rene-bruelhart-a-889560.htmlRené Brülhart, 40, has been the director of the Vatican's Financial Information Authority (FIA) for nearly half a year. The Swiss lawyer and former head of Liechtenstein's financial intelligence unit is on a mission to clear the Vatican Bank of all suspicions of money laundering and other illegal financial transactions. ]]>Catholic Laundry: Bishops Decry State of Church on Eve of Conclavehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/catholic-bishops-in-rome-air-grievances-ahead-of-conclave-a-888357.html#ref=rss
As the conclave to select Benedict XVI's successor begins at the Vatican on Tuesday, conservatives and liberals among top Catholic bishops agree: The church needs a renewal. Who should lead that reform, however, is the subject of intense debate. Much dirty laundry has been aired in recent days.Tue, 12 Mar 2013 12:11:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/catholic-bishops-in-rome-air-grievances-ahead-of-conclave-a-888357.htmlAs the conclave to select Benedict XVI's successor begins at the Vatican on Tuesday, conservatives and liberals among top Catholic bishops agree: The church needs a renewal. Who should lead that reform, however, is the subject of intense debate. Much dirty laundry has been aired in recent days.]]>Phony Bishop: German Imposter Sneaks into Vaticanhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-imposter-sneaks-into-vatican-as-fake-bishop-a-886950.html#ref=rss
German church officials on Tuesday distanced themselves from the man who infiltrated a meeting of cardinals at the Vatican by masquerading as a bishop, saying he can't be trusted. This isn't the first time the self-proclaimed bishop and "Jesus yoga" proponent has caused a kerfuffle. Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:36:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/german-imposter-sneaks-into-vatican-as-fake-bishop-a-886950.htmlGerman church officials on Tuesday distanced themselves from the man who infiltrated a meeting of cardinals at the Vatican by masquerading as a bishop, saying he can't be trusted. This isn't the first time the self-proclaimed bishop and "Jesus yoga" proponent has caused a kerfuffle. ]]>French Muslim Leader on Papacy: 'A New Beginning Is Necessary'http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/french-muslim-leader-says-catholic-church-needs-new-beginning-a-886192.html#ref=rss
Dalil Boubakeur is one of France's most prominent Muslims. In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, he discusses what retiring Pope Benedict XVI did wrong in bridging the Muslim-Catholic divide and how the two religions need to make a fresh start at interfaith dialogue.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:22:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/french-muslim-leader-says-catholic-church-needs-new-beginning-a-886192.htmlDalil Boubakeur is one of France's most prominent Muslims. In a SPIEGEL ONLINE interview, he discusses what retiring Pope Benedict XVI did wrong in bridging the Muslim-Catholic divide and how the two religions need to make a fresh start at interfaith dialogue.]]>Castel Gandolfo: The Colorful History of the Pope's Summer Homehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/world/castel-gandolfo-history-of-the-summer-residence-of-the-pope-a-886181.html#ref=rss
Pope Benedict has withdrawn to Castel Gandolfo while his successor is chosen. But few know that the papal summer residence of almost 400 years has a curious history, serving as a hideout for Jews, delivery ward and target for paparazzi.Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:42:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/castel-gandolfo-history-of-the-summer-residence-of-the-pope-a-886181.htmlPope Benedict has withdrawn to Castel Gandolfo while his successor is chosen. But few know that the papal summer residence of almost 400 years has a curious history, serving as a hideout for Jews, delivery ward and target for paparazzi.]]>'Joy and Light': Pope Benedict XVI Bids Farewell http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/pope-benedict-xvi-holds-final-audience-at-the-vatican-a-885918.html#ref=rss
With over 150,000 spectators at St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI held his last general audience, telling followers that his decision to resign from the papacy has filled him with "a profound serenity." Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:31:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/pope-benedict-xvi-holds-final-audience-at-the-vatican-a-885918.htmlWith over 150,000 spectators at St. Peter's Square on Wednesday, Pope Benedict XVI held his last general audience, telling followers that his decision to resign from the papacy has filled him with "a profound serenity." ]]>Zero Hour at the Vatican: A Bitter Struggle for Control of the Catholic Churchhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/world/catholic-church-searches-for-renewal-and-a-new-pope-a-884043.html#ref=rss
With Pope Benedict XVI's resignation drawing closer, the struggle for power in the Vatican has gotten underway in earnest. The church badly needs to reform itself, but with Ratzinger lurking in the shadows, will it be able to? <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i>
Mon, 18 Feb 2013 17:05:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/catholic-church-searches-for-renewal-and-a-new-pope-a-884043.htmlWith Pope Benedict XVI's resignation drawing closer, the struggle for power in the Vatican has gotten underway in earnest. The church badly needs to reform itself, but with Ratzinger lurking in the shadows, will it be able to? By SPIEGEL Staff
]]>Interview With Swiss Theologian: 'Benedict XVI Could Turn into a Shadow Pope'http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/theologian-hans-kueng-discusses-the-future-of-the-catholic-church-a-884080.html#ref=rss
Progressive Catholic theologian Hans Küng, whose authority to teach Catholic theology was rescinded by the Vatican in 1979, spoke to SPIEGEL about the challenges facing the next pope and the need for reform of the Catholic Church.Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:40:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/theologian-hans-kueng-discusses-the-future-of-the-catholic-church-a-884080.htmlProgressive Catholic theologian Hans Küng, whose authority to teach Catholic theology was rescinded by the Vatican in 1979, spoke to SPIEGEL about the challenges facing the next pope and the need for reform of the Catholic Church.]]>Papal Prophecy?: Cartoonist Foresaw Pope's Resignationhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-cartoon-predicted-pope-benedict-resignation-a-883103.html#ref=rss
The day before it happened, a German page-a-day calendar prophesied the pope's resignation, and then lightning struck St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Were these mysterious events just coincidence or a sign from God?Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:16:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/german-cartoon-predicted-pope-benedict-resignation-a-883103.htmlThe World from Berlin: 'It Is Good that Benedict Is Gone' http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-say-pope-benedict-failed-to-reform-church-a-882874.html#ref=rss
Pope Benedict XVI is nothing if not conservative. He spent the last eight years battling against relativism and individualism -- before breaking with tradition and taking a step that no pope has made for over 700 years. German commentators say his papacy failed to introduce much-needed reforms.Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:57:08 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/german-commentators-say-pope-benedict-failed-to-reform-church-a-882874.htmlPope Benedict XVI is nothing if not conservative. He spent the last eight years battling against relativism and individualism -- before breaking with tradition and taking a step that no pope has made for over 700 years. German commentators say his papacy failed to introduce much-needed reforms.]]>Church in Crisis: Pope Benedict Polarized More Than Unifiedhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/world/benedict-resignation-could-be-good-news-for-german-catholics-a-882734.html#ref=rss
Germany celebrated when Joseph Ratzinger was chosen pope in 2005. Eight years later, however, many are glad to see him go. He was a deeply polarizing figure in his native country and blocked the Catholic Church from launching a badly needed renewal.Mon, 11 Feb 2013 19:57:35 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/benedict-resignation-could-be-good-news-for-german-catholics-a-882734.htmlGermany celebrated when Joseph Ratzinger was chosen pope in 2005. Eight years later, however, many are glad to see him go. He was a deeply polarizing figure in his native country and blocked the Catholic Church from launching a badly needed renewal.]]>Diminishing Strength: Weakness and Vatican Intrigues Plagued Popehttp://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/benedict-xvi-announces-resignation-for-health-reasons-a-882701.html#ref=rss
Benedict XVI has claimed failing health for his decision to step down from the papacy. But ongoing power struggles and intrigue in the Vatican likely also played a role. The search for a successor could prove challenging.Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:35:53 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/benedict-xvi-announces-resignation-for-health-reasons-a-882701.htmlBenedict XVI has claimed failing health for his decision to step down from the papacy. But ongoing power struggles and intrigue in the Vatican likely also played a role. The search for a successor could prove challenging.]]>Benedict Bows Out: Burdens of Aging Lead Pope to Resignhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/world/vatican-confirms-pope-to-step-down-at-end-of-month-a-882611.html#ref=rss
In a surprise development, the Vatican confirmed Monday that Pope Benedict XVI will step down later this month. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed her "utmost respect" for his decision and described the Catholic leader as "one of the most important religious thinkers of our time." Mon, 11 Feb 2013 12:18:00 +0100http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/vatican-confirms-pope-to-step-down-at-end-of-month-a-882611.htmlIn a surprise development, the Vatican confirmed Monday that Pope Benedict XVI will step down later this month. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed her "utmost respect" for his decision and described the Catholic leader as "one of the most important religious thinkers of our time." ]]>Incontinence at the Vatican: Pope Takes German Satire Magazine to Courthttp://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/pope-benedict-xvi-sues-german-satire-magazine-titanic-a-843690.html#ref=rss
German satire magazine <i>Titanic</i> believes it has found the source of the Vatican leaks, and the pope is not amused. Benedict XVI has taken the publication to court after it published an image of him soiling himself. Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:03:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/pope-benedict-xvi-sues-german-satire-magazine-titanic-a-843690.htmlGerman satire magazine Titanic believes it has found the source of the Vatican leaks, and the pope is not amused. Benedict XVI has taken the publication to court after it published an image of him soiling himself. ]]>Vatileaks Scandal: Documents Expose Pope's Frail Leadershiphttp://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/vatileaks-scandal-exposes-pope-s-frail-leadership-a-836825.html#ref=rss
Though Pope Benedict XVI's personal butler has been arrested in connection with the "Vatileaks" scandal, new documents released over the weekend indicate he had powerful backers that remain unidentified. The secret documents expose the pontiff's awkward and helpless leadership in the Church. Mon, 04 Jun 2012 13:50:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/vatileaks-scandal-exposes-pope-s-frail-leadership-a-836825.htmlThough Pope Benedict XVI's personal butler has been arrested in connection with the "Vatileaks" scandal, new documents released over the weekend indicate he had powerful backers that remain unidentified. The secret documents expose the pontiff's awkward and helpless leadership in the Church. ]]>Decision Expected This Month: Pope Likely To Allow Breakaway SSPX to Rejoin Churchhttp://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/pope-benedict-to-allow-society-of-st-pius-x-to-return-to-catholic-church-a-832793.html#ref=rss
Pope Benedict XVI is expected to allow the Society of St. Pius X, a controversial, ultraconservative splinter group, back into the Catholic Church, SPIEGEL has learned. But Holocaust denier Richard Williamson, an SSPX bishop, opposes the agreement, which is likely to be reached before the end of May. Sun, 13 May 2012 10:16:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/pope-benedict-to-allow-society-of-st-pius-x-to-return-to-catholic-church-a-832793.htmlPope Benedict XVI is expected to allow the Society of St. Pius X, a controversial, ultraconservative splinter group, back into the Catholic Church, SPIEGEL has learned. But Holocaust denier Richard Williamson, an SSPX bishop, opposes the agreement, which is likely to be reached before the end of May. ]]>From Protest Party to Mainstream: Papal Blessing Marks End of an Era for Greenshttp://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/from-protest-party-to-mainstream-papal-blessing-marks-end-of-an-era-for-greens-a-788340.html#ref=rss
Germany's Green Party began in the 1970s as the party of outsiders and non-conformists. Now, they are part of the mainstream. The pope's praise for the environmentalists in his speech to the German parliament shows that a political era has come to an end. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:49:00 +0200http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/from-protest-party-to-mainstream-papal-blessing-marks-end-of-an-era-for-greens-a-788340.htmlGermany's Green Party began in the 1970s as the party of outsiders and non-conformists. Now, they are part of the mainstream. The pope's praise for the environmentalists in his speech to the German parliament shows that a political era has come to an end. ]]>